The official blog of UK Forces in Afghanistan, run jointly from London and Helmand.

Injured troops take up gardening therapy

A new gardening project to help provide therapy for Service personnel undergoing rehabilitation at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court has been launched this week.

Activities such as cooking and swimming have previously been used at Headley Court to help injured troops with their recovery but this is the first time that horticulture has been encouraged as a form of psychological and physical therapy.

The idea is that the newly-refurbished greenhouse and allotment area will challenge patients with complex polytraumatic injuries and encourage them to overcome the challenges of working at different heights, standing on varying slopes and surfaces, as well as lifting and moving objects.

The gardening tasks also provide cognitive therapy for troops, with evidence suggesting that being in an outdoor environment reduces stress which can lead to improved concentration and encourage people to think through their problems or concerns.
The gardening project is the brainchild of Major Peter Le Feuvre who enlisted the help of the Queen Elizabeth Foundation which provides intensive vocational rehabilitation for unemployed, disabled adults experiencing multiple barriers to work.

Major Le Feuvre said:

“If you capture the right patient, it’s a meaningful activity that’s fulfilling. Set in these grounds, you can’t help but be inspired and our aim was to bring the rehab out from the clinical space and into the grounds.

“The rehab here is very exercise- and gym-based, so for a lot of the guys who come through here time and time again, to have the chance to do something different is a change.

“This isn’t just about the garden, it’s about the workshop, it’s about the kitchen area. One guy who doesn’t want to pot flowers might like to go to the workshop and build a planter to put the flowers in and therefore still gets all the benefits.

“We’re trying to develop this functional rehab as it’s meaningful, it’s useful for outside life, it gives them a vocation, and outside the clinical stuff there are a load of social benefits as well.”

Private Scott Meenagh from C Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was on a cross-mountain patrol in Afghanistan on 25 January 2011 when he stepped on a low-metal IED and sustained severe injuries, including the loss of both legs below the knee, wounds to his lower back and internal injuries.

Despite suffering from life-changing injuries, Private Meenagh has an admirable outlook on life:

“I’ve never been so alive in my life,” he said. “I feel so positive. A lot of people went through a lot when I was out there and one of my friends was killed trying to save my life, so I need to take advantage of everything. It’s amazing. I’ve never felt so motivated, everything is such a challenge and everything is so exciting.

“I think my dad will be proud of me as he’s a gardener himself. I’ve never taken an interest in gardening, but now life’s at a lot slower pace for me, so I’ll be able to help him and take a new interest in it. My wee garden will be looking good when I eventually get home.”

“The ramp outside the greenhouse is the most undulating that I’ve ever walked on. It really is a challenge, but I’m taking it in my stride, literally. Actually standing still is an effort for me as I have to use my core and my hips, so I’m constantly tensed up and always wake up sore. It is hard, but you get used to it and this is an opportunity to do something therapeutic.

“Obviously we’ve all been through traumatic experiences and you do think about it. I think about it every day and it affects me, so actually coming away and having a new interest is helpful.”

To read the full report by Leigh Hamilton, click HERE, or on either of the images above.

Related

Utrinque Paratus Scott! This sounds like a truly excellent plan for our lads to really get their teeth stuck into something that is physical and gives a reward back in terms of tangible results gained. In my family, we have an unofficial motto of “Keep buggering on”. KBO lads!

gardening is good for the body, the soul and the mind. i am so pleased to see that some of our heroes are ‘getting stuck in’ with a most satisfying hobby or occupation. we will never forget all of you. keep the faith. xo

Good to see this at HC.
We have had this type of project at Auchincruive near Ayr, , called ‘Gardening Leave’, run by Combat Stress Hollybush House for a number of years now and it just goes from strength to strength. Scott should visit when home on leave? People who previously came for respite and who sat staring at walls, now have a new lease of life. They won a Gold Medal at Ayr Flower Show last year,which is one of the biggest in the horticultural calendar. Might we see HC at Chelsea FC in years to come. I’ve no doubt.
Well done the staff, your dedication and innovation to help our injured personnel regain as meaningful and productive a life as possible is just so humbling.
Thank you
God Bless all
Agnes & all @ SoSx

Fantastic to this! I feel lazy looking at what you boys are doing. Keep at it and try everything, its inspirational to military and civvies alike. Scott, Im agreeing with Mr. Eriksen. Start up a fruit and veg garden-we’re getting you an allotment when you come home haha! x